Hayward marijuana manufacturing and trafficking operation busted

Hayward, WI (NNCNOW.com) --- After searching a Hayward, WI, home owned a 56–year–old Stoddard, WI, man police say they found a marijuana manufacturing and trafficking operation.

The operation included a sophisticated indoor hydroponic marijuana grow site with about 70 plants in different growth stages. The man was arrested on Friday morning by the Sawyer County Sheriff's Office in Vernon County.

Investigators received information in relation to drug trafficking involving high school students, which led them to houses in Hayward and Stoddard, WI.

Police say the suspect also owns property in Stoddard, WI, where investigators say they found processed marijuana, guns and cash. Leads were developed during this big bust, and police say at least two more Wisconsin counties have now been linked to this case.

Investigators/agents from the Vernon County Sheriff's Office, the Sawyer County Sheriff's Office, The Division of Criminal Investigation and the West Central MEG Unit are all involved in this ongoing investigation.